Johnny Handsome Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A gangster with a face only a mother could love gets a makeover, but instead of becoming a social media influencer, he seeks revenge, proving that beauty is only skin deep, but vengeance is bone-deep.

🍿 Johnny Handsome: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Botched Heist

John ‘Johnny Handsome’ Sedley, a disfigured small-time crook, participates in a jewelry store robbery with his friend Mikey Chalmette, alongside the ruthless duo of Sunny Boyd and Rafe Garrett. The heist goes awry when Sunny and Rafe betray Johnny and Mikey. Mikey is killed, and Johnny is left to take the fall and is sent to prison.

A Chance at Redemption

While incarcerated, Johnny is approached by Dr. Steven Resher, a progressive surgeon who offers him reconstructive surgery to correct his disfigurement. The doctor believes that by giving Johnny a new face, he can have a chance at a normal life and avoid returning to crime. Despite skepticism from Lt. A.Z. Drones, a hardened detective, Johnny agrees to the procedure.

Life After Surgery

After the surgery, Johnny is paroled and starts working at a shipyard, where he meets and begins a relationship with Donna McCarty. He tries to build a new life, but his past continues to haunt him. Lt. Drones remains suspicious, and Johnny finds himself wrestling with the desire for revenge against Sunny and Rafe, who ruined his life and killed his friend.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John ‘Johnny Handsome’ Sedley (Mickey Rourke): A deformed gangster seeks revenge after being double-crossed, even after receiving reconstructive surgery and a chance at a new life.
• Sunny Boyd (Ellen Barkin): A treacherous and cunning woman who double-crosses Johnny, leading to his imprisonment and fueling his desire for vengeance.
• Rafe Garrett (Lance Henriksen): A ruthless criminal and Sunny’s partner who betrays Johnny and contributes to his suffering.
• Lt. A.Z. Drones (Morgan Freeman): A skeptical police lieutenant who believes Johnny will always be a criminal, despite his transformation.
• Dr. Steven Resher (Forest Whitaker): A compassionate doctor who offers Johnny a chance at redemption by performing reconstructive surgery on his face.
• Donna McCarty (Elizabeth McGovern): A kind-hearted woman who becomes romantically involved with Johnny after his surgery, representing his chance at a normal life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lt. A.Z. Drones: “I know what you are. And we both know where you’re going, don’t we Johnny?” – Drones expresses his cynicism about Johnny’s chances of rehabilitation.
• Vic Dumask: “That sounds illegal.” – Vic Dumask is a criminal lawyer who, in his own words, only handles legal cases.
• John ‘Johnny Handsome’ Sedley: “A laundry service. Could be five million dollars worth.” – Johnny approaches Vic Dumask for help with a new criminal enterprise.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,237,794
• Worldwide Gross: $7,237,794

💥 Johnny Handsome Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie late one night and being totally drawn in. Mickey Rourke’s performance really stuck with me; you could feel his character’s anger and desperation. The scene where he sees his new face for the first time was really powerful, and even though the ending was a downer, it felt real. It’s a movie that’s stayed with me for years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mickey Rourke”
  • “Viewers interested in neo-noir crime dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with themes of revenge and redemption”
  • “People who like Walter Hill’s directorial style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Walter Hill crafts a gritty neo-noir with Rourke delivering a compelling performance. While the plot treads familiar ground, the film’s atmosphere and the performances, especially Barkin and Freeman, elevate it above the standard revenge flick.
• RogerEbert.com: “A surprisingly nuanced crime drama. Rourke’s portrayal of a man struggling with his past is captivating, with strong performances from the supporting cast. Hill creates a dark and compelling world.
• Variety: “Though somewhat predictable, ‘Johnny Handsome’ is a well-crafted thriller with solid performances. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of identity and redemption.

Audience Reactions

Mickey Rourke’s performance is unforgettable.: Viewers love the raw, emotional depth Mickey Rourke brings to the role of Johnny Handsome.

The supporting cast is outstanding, especially Morgan Freeman and Ellen Barkin.: Many praise the strong performances from the supporting actors, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall Consensus: A gritty and compelling neo-noir thriller with strong performances, though some find the plot predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Al Pacino was initially cast as Johnny Handsome but left due to script concerns, feeling it was too B-movie-like despite revisions.”
• “The film was shot on location in Louisiana, including the Louisiana State Penitentiary, adding to the gritty realism.”
• “Ry Cooder’s soundtrack, featuring his signature slide guitar, perfectly complements the film’s noir atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Johnny Handsome?

Currently, “Johnny Handsome” is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings as streaming availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Johnny Handsome, you might like these similar films:

• Face/Off (1997): Features extensive facial reconstructive surgery and identity swapping, with a focus on revenge and moral ambiguity.
• The Elephant Man (1980): Explores the life of a severely disfigured man and society’s reactions to his appearance, with themes of prejudice and compassion.
• The Driver (1978): Directed by Walter Hill, shares a similar neo-noir style with a focus on atmosphere and gritty crime elements.
• 48 Hrs. (1982): Directed by Walter Hill, known for buddy cop dynamic and action elements.

🛒 Johnny Handsome Related Products

• Johnny Handsome (Blu-ray): Own Johnny Handsome in stunning high-definition. Relive the story of redemption and revenge with enhanced picture and sound quality.
• Mickey Rourke: The Wild Years – A Biography: Explore the life and career of Mickey Rourke, delving into his iconic roles and turbulent personal life. A must-read for fans of the actor.
• New Orleans Crime Stories Collection: Delve into a curated collection of crime novels and films set in the atmospheric city of New Orleans, offering more tales of grit and intrigue.
• Johnny Handsome Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for this cult classic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Johnny Handsome features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Ry Cooder
• “Sunny’s Theme” – performed by Ry Cooder
• “Heist” – performed by Ry Cooder
• “John’s New Face” – performed by Ry Cooder

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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